The Divide

The Divide

Summary

ENCOUNTER THE DIVIDE (Kaçkar Mountains) – On this tour, you will have the opportunity to travel through two separate ecosystems. The Kaçkar Mountains divide the humid Black Sea region from the meadowlands on the rain shadow side of the mountains. One side of the mountains is classified as a humid subtropical climate, full of lush vegetation and beautiful mountain vistas. The other side boasts beautiful grass meadows, warm sun and a rocky landscape. This tour will bring you to the summit of Mount Kaçkar, the highest peak in the Kaçkar range and the 4th highest peak in Turkey at 3,937m (12,917 ft). The area is filled with beautiful lakes and stunning views. This trip will not only allow you to experience beautiful scenery, but offers a depth of culture. There continues to be families in this region that will migrate during the summer months up the mountains to small summer villages, herding a few sheep and cattle and producing fresh cheese and yogurt. Along this tour, you will encounter several of these small villages and have the opportunity to interact with the locals.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL AND PREP.

Arrive in Erzurum and travel to Yusufeli for our overnight stay. Along the journey to Yusufeli, we will explore an ancient Georgian church and the beautiful Tortum waterfall. In the evening, after we have settled into our comfortable accommodations, we will be briefed on what to expect during the climb and for more novice hikers, an introduction to trekking techniques will be given.

Day 2: BEGIN TREKKING

From Yusufeli, we will be transported to Olgunlar where we will begin the trek to the first camp at Dilberdüzü (2385m), a beautiful 7.5 km climb with a gradual incline. Tonight we will enjoy the great outdoors as we sleep under the stars at the Dilberdüzü campsite, the most frequented campsite in the Kaçkar Mountains.

Day 3: KAÇKAR SUMMIT

This morning we will travel first to the crystal clear Deniz Lake (3353m) where we will have some time for a little R and R before completing the final 584m ascent to the summit of Kaçkar Mountain. After enjoying a stunning view of the Kaçkar Mountain range from the summit, we will descend down to camp at Davalı Lake for the night.

Day 4: KAVRON VALLEY

Today we will traverse the alluring Kavron valley, encountering lush alpine forests and passing many sparkling lakes, before making camp near the quaint village of Yukarıkavron.

Day 5: RETURN TO AYDER

From our final campsite, we will continue traveling through the lush mountain valley and finish our trek in Ayder, where we will stay in a comfortable local hotel for the night. This evening we will have the opportunity to relax at an authentic thermal Turkish bath.

Day 6: TRAVEL TO TRABZON

After a refreshing night in Ayder, we will travel through lush mountains filled with local farmers harvesting tea leaves and arrive at the famous Sumela Monastery near Trabzon. Nestled into a steep cliff with a stunning view of the Altindere Valley, this monastery is a site of great cultural and historical significance.

What's Included

Transfers to and from the Erzurum airport

Transfer to the Trabzon airport

1 night Hotel accommodation in Yusufeli.

1 night Hotel accommodations in Ayder.

Mountain Guide

Food and drinks on the mountain

Entrance fees to all attractions

Not Included:

Personal climbing equipment

Alcoholic Drinks

Gratuity for guides and porters

Food at local Restaurants

Gear

The equipment and clothing you bring to this program will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. If you have any questions regarding equipment, please contact us and we will clarify any questions that you might have.

Equipment Included:

Tents (if requested)

General Safety equipment. The guide will carry all necessary safety equipment, including general first aid items.